The Silver Rail Blog

The Florida Legislature has just passed an historic passenger rail bill according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The new legislation would create SunRail, a permanent source of funding for Tri-Rail, and improve Florida's chances of getting federal stimulus funds for high speed rail.

The story can be read by clicking here.

Next stop is Governor Charlie Crist's desk. The Governor has indicated that he will sign the bill into law.

--Jackson McQuigg

And yes, it is a model train!....

http://www.fosterfollynews.com/news/2009Dec3TRAINTOCIRCLE.php

--Jackson McQuigg

At FCRP's November 7 Fall Members Luncheon and Meeting, Jacksonville Transportation Authority's Steve Arrington gave a presentation detailing plans for the Jacksonville Terminal Station site.

Buses, Amtrak and future commuter trains, and the Jacksonville Skyway transit system will together utilize Jacksonville Terminal under this plan, which was shown to those who attended the meeting.

The plans for the new project are impressive. The use of the facility as a regional transportation center is intended to complement, rather than replace, the building's current use as the Prime F. Osborn Convention Center.

A rendering of the new Amtrak and Commuter Rail portion of the facility can be found here. A site plan for the entire project can be found here. 

Construction designs/documents are underway and several key approvals for this project have already been secured.

Commencement of actual construction is contingent on funding, although JTA has applied for federal stimulus funds for the project.

--Jackson McQuigg

As the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports, what happens during the special session of the Florida State Legislature isn't just about the future of SunRail, but Tri-Rail, too:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/elections/fl-tri-rail-future-20091204,0,2914705.story

--Jackson McQuigg

First the AFL-CIO, now the Tea Party crowd!

Small-government conservatives are mounting a challenge against Florida's rail plans:

http://dc.streetsblog.org/2009/12/04/conservative-tea-party-movement-targets-florida-rail-plan/

--Jackson McQuigg

From the Associated Press:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iuH4_V2Sdcmdk7yVLLB1sPpupW7AD9CC1TQ00

The Florida Times-Union details plans for a possible return of train service to Jacksonville Terminal Station:

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-11-12/story/jacksonville_to_seek_stimulus_funds_for_rail_bus_hub

This topic was a subject of a presentation given to the FCRP membership at FCRP's Fall Members Luncheon and Meeting, held in Jacksonville on November 7.

--Jackson McQuigg

Editorial from the Palm Beach Post about a proposal from State Senator Jeff Atwater for a passenger rail authority in Florida.

The new entity would be modeled on the Florida Turnpike Authority:

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/editorials/atwater-takes-over-the-train-92021.html

--Jackson McQuigg

Emergency session slated. Follow the link to this story

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2009/12/1/553269.html 

Stephen Sayles
FCRP President

USA Today does an admirable job of summarizing the race for high speed rail stimulus funds here:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-11-30-high-speed-rail-stimulus_N.htm?POE=click-refer

--Jackson McQuigg